Bleton, the Amazing Water Diviner
Source: The meeting closed with the reading of a brief sent by Mr. Crommelin about one named Bleton, a native of Romance in Dauphine who claims to have the ability to detect water sources and mines by peculiar motions of his pulse and nerves, and by means of a rod which turns on his fingers. He senses differences according to whether the ground has water, metals, or coal.
Mr. Crommelin has collected a large amount of evidence in favor of this wonder worker and raised eyebrows through his report. The Academy views with astonishment the seriousness that this study is being given which is merely the actions of one skilled in the art of fakery not unlike the ones by the celebrated Jacques Aimare and Parangu that were exposed. These tricks can be so convincing as to suspend one's judgment thus leaving one to believe that the assertions of this huckster and those of other witnesses are, in fact, miracles. Mr. le Comte de Mandelots, in the letter reported by M. Crommelin, assures us that the movement manifested by the rod was only slight, leaving him less than convinced.
The motion of the pulse and convulsive agitation of the nerves must be no less suspicious when one notes that Bleton finds water to be moving in areas under which water rarely flows, and especially when it is known that you can, with a certain amount of exertion, cause the heart to stop. Authors more worthy of confidence even cite the example of a damsel in this city who can command this organ so that her body behaves as though she were dead. As for the convulsions, what charlatan doesn't exhibit them?
The Secretary was instructed to send an acknowledgment to Mr. Crommelin. (Signatures)
The meeting was adjourned today, 14 January 1779. (Signature)
Report on Water Diviner, Bleton
Report on one named Bleton of Romance in Dauphine who locates water sources, their depth, their abundance, the spots where the water divides, mines of metals and coal through variations in his pulse, by convulsions that he experiences in his nervous system, and by means of a rod made from any kind of wood.
Gentlemen,
There are things which are true but improbable. The effect of a little oil on waves in the sea proves this fact. One doubts the miraculous, naturally enough, because anything impossible is usually associated with the trappings of a hoax. I too scoffed at the divining rod of Bleton and his convulsions as he passed over a water source or mine, but I did what had to be done in order to discover the truth. The results of my research I now offer to you, gentlemen. I urge you to review it and make your own judgment of a phenomenon which is worthy to be examined.
We gave the name 'hydroscope' a few years ago to a child who claimed to see water percolating in the bowels of the earth, and without doubt, one who is so amazing well deserves a Greek title. Instantly there arose an infinite number of writings that attested to the problematic, despite many appeals to reason and cries for common sense. Those zealous for the miraculous fell headlong into the alleged phenomenon without bothering to examine it closely. A man of good sense, however, proposed a big reward to resolve the dispute if it were true, but he added the condition that there be a good spanking if he lied. The challenge caused 'hydroscopy' to disappear and it has since been classified with an infinite number of other chimera, adding this to the list of hoaxes that has passed into history.
There appeared in Burgundy, in October of this year, 1778, not a hydroscope but a group of water seekers whose author sent a letter - see Burgandy attachment No. 43 - reporting a divination of water made by the onset of symptoms. To me this letter appeared to come from a responsible individual. I would not challenge his points in detail, but I did ask the author to please allow me to make a few observations regarding his ideas.
I do not find it at all surprising that a man could feel unpleasantly the emanations of running water and metals while walking in the mud and then become quite happy when we put in his hand some ecus of six francs. Mercury vapour will dissolve gold yet not bind with it, thus leaving it untouched. Coppersmiths can work with copper without danger but its fumes will make them sick. A man can get into a bath to cure the effects of his drinking. We can eat a lot of grapes without trouble yet the smell of its fermentation can dangerously affect the head. Furthermore, I observed that the symptoms of Bleton are not destroyed by a distraction; that his pulse does not vary when he does what he is told to do; there is no intermittent cessation or increase [in pulse rate]; that the wonders of Jacques Aymar and the dreams of Parange have nothing in common with him because he isn't in pursuit of thieves or assassins; because he seeks no benefits or payment afterwards; because he doesn't see any water circulating in the earth. The truth is that stagnant waters affect Bleton less than running water; that he suffers on a bridge; that rain is more unpleasant for him than for any other person; and that he always feels unwell over the activity of water whether or not wooden clogs or silk stockings are used to insulate him.
There is a second letter amongst the attachments, No. 44. It is by a witness who speaks through another credible individual, the author. Allow me to make a few comments...
Sadly I have noted that a good critic begins by quibbling about a word when it's not a question about the exactness of language but of an interesting fact that has to be clarified. Bleton is neither a purist nor a mathematician, and when he said he sensed a stream of water at 4 inches, it is only a phrase to indicate a general idea which he attaches to this expression. For instance, between 4 inches of water in the positive sense and that which Bleton suggests, there could certainly be a difference of 1 to 4 inches because 4 inches of water in diameter could even mean 16 inches of running water. "He refused," (says the author) "to rotate the rod."
Since there are more players of parlor games (tricksters) than people who may desire to exhibit feverish symptoms and convulsions, I too would place more confidence in the rise of his pulse rate and muscle spasms than in a divining rod."This man said he could know the presence of water with certainty, but could not predict its volume."
This proves that the observer has not seen Bleton operate. Therefore I can no longer regard him as a witness. However, I do render all the justice I can as to the erudition contained in this 2nd letter, so I beg the author not to take offense at my criticism which arises, perhaps, only out of a different way of interpreting the same event.Nobody in Burgundy was ever in agreement over Bleton. Each circle had its supporters and opponents. Some said, "I've seen him and I believe what my senses tell me!" Others asserted that they weren't quite sure because of doubts raised by the examples of Aymar; Parange; and l'Anglois who could assume the livid colors of a corpse at will, and to whom one ascribed illness complete with erratic pulse, etc. etc.
The showpeople, 'the Comus', were solicited and they came. Then occurred what always happens in large gatherings when there is plenty of disagreement. I didn't get involved. I always keep silent because I don't have a loud enough voice to be considered seriously, but I did write to some people who I respected. Here are some replies I received.
Letter of Mr. de Montagu, Knight of St. Louis, a former captain in the Regiment of Piedmont. If the man of whom you ask me details, my dear Crommelin, is not a hydroscope; if he cannot see water in the bowels of the earth 80 feet deep, then at least he feels it, and the sensations which he experiences are quite extraordinary. There is a general derangement in his entire physiology: an astonishing variation in his pulse; a prodigious contraction in his nervous system whenever he is over a source.I was, I admit, warned against this man and almost decided not to believe the wonderful things that I had heard from very reasonable people but I have seen it with my own eyes, my friend. I examined him freely; I felt his pulse; I placed the rod wherever I wished; I played all the tricks that my doubts inspired me to do. Finally, I put my sorcerer through all the tests without finding a single fault. Anyhow, it wasn't the rod that surprised me. I sense this may be some kind of skill, but it was his pulse and nerves with which it interacted.
Know first of all, that little happens when the man moves away from the source where he experiences convulsions. The movement of his rod ceases. Then, walking slowly, he comes to a certain spot where it turns over on itself. Then, measuring the distance from the place where the rod begins its retrograde motion to the location of the source, he declares that to be the depth. To leave out nothing to be desired, my dear Crommelin, I'm going to explain in detail everything that I saw and run the risk of being verbose.
I was studying a Santenay and I learned that Bleton (it is as well as the named man to sources) discumbrance has chassagne among Mr. Gauthier. I fus, a little later than has the truth, but I had the time to see operate. "Find our source of the morning," he said Mr. Gauthier. - "Be happy." - after market for some time, Bleton said, "I am above." In effect, it purchase almost under the foot, a brand that the purchase be placed upon several ancient signs for the place and which it does not help the doubt. I walked the eyes
But I believed that he purchase seen put the brand, and that it have the eyes exercis has upon several ancient signs in all species of terreins.
We wanted scavoir or alloit this source and he followed her up has a well. Before you get there, he smiled and said, "This wells must provide very little water." - "That is all too true", answered a peasant. "When one has fired 4 or 5 seals, it must wait until it in Vienna."
Of astonishment, I prayed this man to come to my home the next day. There came into effect, has the dusk.
I am promenois with Mr. of Santenay and we the rencontrames far enough from Bourg, or there discumbrance never came, and we resolumes proffiter of darkness for the prove vigorously. - "I voudrois have water in my orchard," he said Mr. of Santenay, "and you make me happy to warn me when you feel something."
In passing in the Bourg, Bleton is stopped and said, "There is here the water." - "Or will t-it?" - "Follow me." We walk in the darkness; and he entered in the orchard and went right has something that he took
For a heap of stones. "She spent the following," he says. It purchase well right because, it discumbrance the fontaine same. He was asked it in the discumbrance profondeuse. He answered 9 feet, which is true. This is Mr. Duchemains who has measured.
We envoyames at chateau seek the ladies to see turn the wand. They came with torches and Bleton said to them, "Ladies, hold me each by the hand. I will not say anything, it is you same who shall notify when i will go on the water." We turned back at path, and the two ladies said at the time and with the same tone of surprise, "I sense a restlessness extreme in this man." He discumbrance on the point from where we discumbrance party, to look for the source in the orchard.
You feel, my dear C[rommelin], that antecedence perfect that we have of the local, gives us the certainty the more comptette in this regard and that the argument of the darkness cannot stand.
The next day, Mr. of Santenay armorbearer would know by or if ecouloit water from its be suitable may be considered. Bleton in fit the tower, found several places, but it marked a more particularly.
"Or will this water?" said to him Mr. of Santenay. - "Follow the." It suitoit this man; there health by top of the walls; you cross multiple inheritances and it comes has a grandchemin. First, we laugh in pity according to the use. We want to prove that a dike made has the hand is impenetrable has water. Bleton, without answer, past addition, crosses a wall, bottom has the truth, and falls into a running water that we do connoissions point. "Voila," said he, "Mr. (with cold blood), the water in your pit!"
The next day, Bleton found my home a source little proffonde, a very short distance of a wells of 80 feet, which lack of water. I have done digging, but i found for obstacle a flint tresdur that i removed by the means of the powder. Jene am point still has the profondeuse indicated and I have already been to the water. My holes are filled by the seepage which is done in the same rocks and i am forced to employ holsters to contain the powder. Voila there i am, my friend. But I give you as certain that
Mr. Guilder has found has my pate near layers, a source indicated by Bleton, has the profondeuse of 14 feet, and that it exists in the same house, a wells very deep without water.
If some reason you door, my dear C[rommelin], has come review by you even all what I say to you, I will be quite comfortable and i you requesting tonight for witnesses, the people least gullible to the country, etc. , etc.
I observed, in passing, that Mr. Knight of Montagu is a man very well educated and very mesiant on the wonderful.
Letter from Reverend Father Piero, the co-adjuteuse des Chartreux of Beaune. The man of whom you are talking to me, sir, we indicated several sources and we have found that we have searched.His manner of the discover is to walk slowly; when it passes on a running water it is experiencing an overall contraction in the parties musculeuses and tendons which increased in approaching the source. His pulse is of erange and inequalities vary according to the degree of remoteness or
Proximity.
Mr. Bigarne, our doctor, has followed this man; has observed the places where his pulse eprouvoit variations, and three times has felt the same effects in the same points spaces travelled. When it is on a source we do him feels more of pulse. The highly sporadic movements increase. His breathing is hampered, and it is experiencing palpitations of heart, that we feel with the hand.
He is presented with a wand any which wood, green, dry, curve, noyeuse, porous, etc. He put on his two index. She runs very fast on the source; stops when it the Quity, and regressive when it is at a distance equal to the depth. It is a simple man and I did point suspected of charlatanism. Aureste, he did point wrong.Voila, sir, the things that I can tell you as a witness, etc.
Anything that these two letters and several other also positivies, dassent persuade me, i sentois the need of new preuver.
I am on disois-i of the righteousness of the merit and the intelligence of the people who write to me, but the address, the hazard, this illusion that often belongs to the look, did they point concourus has the fool?
I have taken the party to go on the premises, and to examine the terreins on which Bleton has operated. My first approach was among a magistrate of this city, filled with connoissances, little credulous, and very difficult to deceive.
"I laughed", told me t-he said, "of all that was debited on the rights to the sources, but I have seen, and I have done what I could for the trap, without success. If I dare not even confess that I believe, I sense that I am convinced."
This magistrate confirmed for me that which is found in the two letters that I have just to transcribe.
My second race was among Mr. of Montagu, former musketeer residing has layers, and I learned that Bleton y purchase determines the depth of a wells of 40 feet has 2 inches near, without having examined that in the garden (which is very large) purchase it followed the channels of a jet of water up to the tank, without diverting what it is until the obstacles.
He has found a source on a place
High has 2 feet of profondence (deep), which source discovery in doing of Provins discumbrance marked by a picket line, for the divert to the need, and that Bleton touchoit the picket line by saying, "I am on the source. Send expensive expensive workers. It is only two feet." This manner of expressing himself very certainly do feel point deception. It was induced not 1/4 of an hour to check.
I want these facts to Mr. of Montagu, and I saw the picket line placed on this last source.
My pate is only has a range of shotgun of the chateau of Mr. Montagu. It is a fact, that Bleton y has found a source has 14 feet, which quenched now an excellent wells, and that another wells six am more profound, is without water. One thing still worthy of note, is that the earth up has 14 feet discumbrance dry; that underneath, there is a rock, and that in the brittle water spurts.
Of Layers, i fus has Desise among Mr. de Fontenay, collector of Royal taxation. He shewed me a considerable source found on
The indication of Bleton, if considerable same, that workers do in representative point substance by the sides, feared the fall of the land, and discontinuerent their work. Mr. de Fontenay assured me the surplus, that not only this man online mark the places on this source is divided, but that he purchase followed the main branch up to the point where it is shortly disgorge into a small creek covered with brambles and wild plants.
Mr. de Fontenay, a wise man, wanting to be sure that the hazard does not purchase any share has the that he venoit of see, prayed Bleton to repeat the same operation blindfolded. The ensuring that it presideroit has its safety! Bleton consented; traveled through the same terrein with the same sinuosities; pulled up to the same places; marked the divisions of the source in the same points, and followed the branch from which I have just spoken up to the brook.
Not content with this decisive experience, Monsieur de Fontenay mena this man at Mr. of Chevanes, doctor of medicine, his neighbor, in the cellar which there are aqueducts. It the duction very exactly sus the terrein, and followed him in the court without being wrong. That certainty exists, because the workman who
Has placed the aqueducts discumbrance present. The same experiment was repeated in the cellars of Mr. Duchemins has Santenay with the same success. If we men intervene the hazard, this was owing work anymore a phenomenon by another more surprising.
I have had several conversations very long with Mr. The County of Mandelot, son-in-law of Mr. The County of Clermont of Monthoison on this extraordinary man. He told of his observations in writing, and here is an extract of a letter he has done me the honor to write to me. There you will find, gentlemen, of things very bright.
Extract of a letter from Mr. the County of Mandelot of Chagny I filled the promise that I made to you sir, to communicate to you my ideas on Bleton.
What that several trips i have prevented to do all the comments that I was studying proposed, I believe, however, be able to assure you that person does in the country, was no longer seen, more followed, and more examined this man than I am.
His coup test in the vicinity of Chagny, was a beautiful cross among Mr. Jam, toward the beginning of October last.
Screw a screw the courtyard of the house, he hearkened unto of vivid sensations on a source that quenched a excellent wells. His wand turned with vivacity. I examinarai much, and had no suspicions.
Before that Bleton put discard the eyes in the wells, i prayed to attach the profondence by its way to calculate the.
You know, sir, that it market of the opposite side has the direction of the source holding his wand, and that when it demoted, it assigns the profondence. By measuring the distance contained between the point where the demotion, and the one where is the source.
I mesurai first the wells, and I found him 19 feet 2 inches. I mesurai then the line given by Bleton, and I found him 19 feet 2 inches.
After this operation, Mr. Jam led this man in a prairie at the bottom of the what it owns a pre watered by a source who, has the truth, do never dries up, but that is not important enough to be very useful.
A hundred not approximately, above the pre, Bleton indicated a source very strong, has the profondence of 13 has 14 feet. I have calculated
It must be 25 feet above the level of this same pre.
Mr. Jam has been widening, and has found in effect, a source so abundant that at the end of two days it became too big (overflowed).
We cannot say that the look of Bleton made him find the level of the water, because in this assumption the water had not overflowed. Incidentally, the pre being more bottom of 25 feet, this objection cannot be admitted. If the water is falling point, that is what is common. It is that it has found a route more easy in an opposite direction, I want to say a right angle with the slope (slope) of the terrein.
After this discovery, we went up on the mountain St. Jaques, or, near a house purchaser will receive the same Mr. Jam, Bleton indicated a source has 30 feet, as it is in the Roc we do not searched.
Of the, we revimmes has Chagny and i y fis determine the depths of several wells also precisely that has beautiful cross. I have seen operate this man has Sassangi. There is found a source has more has more than 150 feet above the river, without
No signs indicative of water proof that he considered point levels.
Eight or ten days after our races of beautiful cross of St. Jaques and Sassangy, i the Menai Straits in the court of the prieuse of Chagny or i essaiai, without success, to rotate the wand. This was the, or Bleton taking me the hands the fit turn 7 has 8 laps.
I have told you this story, sir, and I have been witness to your astonishment. We raisonnames same on the communication of the virtue of Bleton, as it was reasoned on the gold teeth. I was studying then very confident but I now have strong reasons to be longer if credulous.
I am convinced that this wand is aided by an insensitive movement of the wrists but I do not believe that at least the amazing sensations of Bleton.
I have told him of my doubts. It is agreed that, in effect, it gives him a certain inclination. But he added that in a suite, it is soutenoit by itself.
I must make this justice has Bleton, he does parleroit point of his wand. If we do the him demandoit point, and I advised him to abandon everything has made the way, having no need for charlatanism
Toconfirm a phenomenon very real. I am all the more convinced that the wand is foreign to the means by which Bleton connoit the sources, that the vicar of Chagny, Monsieur Jam, and me, the do turn. It is true that it tombeentre nosmains, when it arrives at the end of the finger, but it is only by default of habit.
After this admission, we do not fail to say, "You do not believe has the wand. Why do you think you to the sensations?" The answer is simple. Is that the wand plays only a subordinate role. It is that of facts some, have shown to me that the sensations exist. It is that this man probably has apperceu that we do the croyoit not when he disoit, "I sense", and that he wanted to add a visible sign. A charlatan said, "I you guerrirai", and do not guerrit. Blaton said, "I will find the water if there is", and does not sought point has to impose.
He feels the mines it is a fact, and to distinguish its wand rotates in the opposite direction. He must confess at least, that this turn of address (if the in is a) is tresingenieux. It indicates
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